The common reaction from people when I tell them I'm a theatre major is, "Oh... Are you not worried about the money?". My answer is always no. Of course, everyone wants to be happy, financially stable, have money to vacation, have a big house and a range rover; but happiness comes from more than just money and material things. I would rather live in a cute Chicago loft, be a Starbucks barista by day, and perform in the theatre at night than be stuck in an office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and working out excel spreadsheets. Coffee runs, and marketing meetings might be your cup of tea and idea of success, but it's not mine.
No, I will not work at Wal-Mart and be homeless just because I am pursuing the arts. Just like your internship at Abott and Deloitte, fine arts kids have internships too. We go out to theatres to direct, do stage crew, even act during our college careers, and then have some sort of guidance for our real world jobs. Also, theatre is more than acting. A lot of us are pursuing jobs in technical work, directing, dramaturgy, even theatre professors. So when someone says they're majoring in theatre, don't be quick to assume. Ask them what type, and what their plan is. Us fine art folk have more figured out than you think.
Yes, the life of back to back auditions, unstable jobs, and hoping you're a part of a production isn't normal, but the thrill of it all keeps us going. Eventually, we will be a part of a theatre and have a more for sure slot in a production... but even so, nothing is ever guaranteed. But the same goes for business or any other "stable career." Who knows, one day your company could go bankrupt, or they'll fire you without warning. Is any job more stable than the next? Next time you judge a fine arts major, think about that. No, we won't be making six figures any time soon. But when we're up on stage accepting our Oscar's, you'll be at home eating dinner with your family remembering the time you told us we wouldn't make it.
Any lifestyle you choose is okay, whether you're in the arts, sciences, or business. If you're happy that's all that matters. Just don't belittle someone because they aren't your version of successful or normal. Theatre majors are smart, business majors aren't just robots, and anyone in science is just god sent because we all know that stuff's hard. Regardless of your life path, just always listen to that voice in your head that guides you to happiness. You will succeed, and you will live the life you want.
